Hortobagy National Park: A Complete Birdwatching Guide
Everything you need to know about visiting Hungary's first national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to 342 bird species on 800 square kilometres of open steppe.
From the endless horizons of the Hortobagy puszta to the reed-fringed lakes of the Great Plain, Hungary shelters some of Europe's most remarkable bird populations. We help you find them.
Start with HortobagyHungary sits at the meeting point of several major flyways, which means an extraordinary diversity of species passes through each year. The country's mosaic of grasslands, wetlands, forests, and agricultural land supports over 400 recorded bird species, from the massive Great Bustard to the dazzling European Bee-eater.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or planning your first trip with binoculars, the Hungarian landscape offers experiences that are hard to match anywhere else in Central Europe. Tens of thousands of Common Cranes gather at Hortobagy every autumn, Saker Falcons nest on the Great Plain, and the dawn chorus in the Bukk Hills rivals any forest in the continent.
Detailed profiles of Hungary's best birdwatching locations, including access information, key species, and the optimal months to visit each site.
Month-by-month breakdowns of what to expect, from spring arrivals and breeding displays to autumn migration spectacles and winter roosts.
In-depth look at Hungary's most iconic birds, their habits, habitats, and conservation status, helping you identify what you see in the field.
Everything you need to know about visiting Hungary's first national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to 342 bird species on 800 square kilometres of open steppe.
Each October, up to 70,000 Common Cranes stage at Hortobagy's fishponds. Here's how to witness one of Europe's great wildlife spectacles.
From the Great Bustard to the European Roller, a look at the species that make Hungary a top birding destination in Europe.
The country's position in the Carpathian Basin, combined with its varied habitats, makes it one of the most rewarding birding destinations in all of Europe.
We are happy to share tips, suggest itineraries, or point you to local guides. Drop us a line and we will get back to you with ideas tailored to your interests and schedule.
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